Just what must I do to actually receive Christ?

First, you must recognise that God loved you so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Second, you must repent of your sins. Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall… perish.” (Luke 13:3) He said, “Repent… and believe.” (Mark 1:15) Repentance does not mean to be sorry for the past. To be sorry is not enough; you must repent. You must turn your back on sins.

Third, you must receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” (John 1:12) This means that you accept God’s offer of love, mercy, and forgiveness. That you cease trying to save yourself. You trust Him completely, without reservation, as your Saviour and Lord.

Forth, you must confess Christ publicly. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32) It is extremely important that when you receive Christ you tell someone else about it as soon as possible.

It is important that you make your decision and commitment to Christ NOW. “Now is the accepted time… now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) If you are willing to repent of your sins and to receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you can do it now. At this moment you can either bow your head or get on your knees and say this prayer:

O God, I acknowledge that I have sinned against You. I am willing to turn from my sins. I openly receive and acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I confess Him as Lord. From this moment on I want to live for Him and serve Him.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you are willing to make this decision, if you have to the best of your knowledge received Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as your own Saviour, then according to the preceding statements of Scripture, you have become a child of God in whom Jesus Christ dwells. Altogether too many people make the mistake of measuring the certainty of their salvation by their feelings. Believe God. Take Him at His word.